Former Liverpool striker believes Jurgen Klopp can get the most out of a fading Reds player by pairing him with a priority Arsenal target
The midfield has undoubtedly been Liverpool’s biggest problem this season. Only Thiago Alcantara, one of Klopp’s established midfield talents, has lived up to the expectations of Reds fans. But, the Spaniard is still dealing with injuries, and with him turning 32 in April, those problems are only going to get worse.
The club’s prime midfield aim is Jude Bellingham, but with multiple exits on the way, the additions cannot be limited to just one.
The option to purchase Arthur Melo’s loan move from Juventus will not be exercised.
In other news, Fabrizio Romano said that there are presently no intentions to give new contracts to Naby Keita or Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. Both will become free agents in the summer.
The Sun has revealed three Portuguese Premier League midfielders who have been on the Reds’ radar.
Mason Mount of Chelsea and Declan Rice of West Ham United are also on Liverpool’s radar.
The Hammers skipper, 24, is slated to leave in the summer. West Ham are internally resigned to losing their best midfielder, according to The Athletic.
Rice has turned down repeated contract offers that would have tied his career to the club indefinitely. With a contract expiring in 2024, the approaching summer is the best opportunity for West Ham to cash in.
Arsenal are currently seen to be the favorites to sign Rice. Chelsea is also in the mix, but the Arsenal have a clear advantage. If numerous bidders compete for Rice, the price might reach £100 million.
The Liverpool Echo reports that the Reds have been urged to hijack Arsenal’s approach for Rice in order to bring the best out of Jordan Henderson.
Former Liverpool striker Djibril Cisse feels Henderson can re-establish himself as an important figure for Klopp if paired with Rice.
Rice to rekindle Henderson’s flame?
“Declan Rice is a good talent who might contribute to the team,” Cisse stated. “But in the middle I really like Jordan Henderson and wouldn’t want to rule him out.
“Maybe Declan Rice and Jordan Henderson could make a good team.”
Henderson, 32, is no longer an automatic choice in midfield for Klopp.
Since the World Cup, he has appeared as a substitute off the bench in four of his 11 league appearances. He and Fabinho have been among Liverpool’s worst-performing midfielders this season.
Putting a younger alternative like Rice alongside Henderson in a three-man midfield would be one way to revitalize his fading Reds career. Rice is not afraid to put in the work and would assist to protect a defense that has been overexposed way too frequently this season.
Liverpool is said to be interested in Rice, although their primary emphasis at the time being is Bellingham.
With FSG’s recent spending restraint, it’s unlikely that both would be signed in the same window.
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